New MSc programme!

University Partners

8. Videos

Small scale irrigation, large scale benefits

Balochistan, is the largest province of Pakistan, but only gives residence to 5% of the country's population. It's irrigation system, Kareze, is constantly being threatened by droughts, water scarcity and earthquakes. After a major earthquake in 2008, the Kareze system got rebuild and improved with help of the World Bank. Its efficiency increased drastically by the implementation of dams and check dams. This case is a great example of inclusive and sustainable water management!

Series: Investment in Agricultural Water Management Pays

Kenya

Malawi

Rwanda

Ethiopia

Tanzania

Leza-2 Small scale irrigation (Ethiopia)

Leza-2 Small scale irrigation as it was practiced by farmers. The diversion head-work is always taken by flood and they are forced to construct at least once in each year. It costs to them more than 20,000.00 Ethiopian Birr.
Now it is built in a modern way with IFAD-PASIDP program fund support. This critical support will be presented with a short story video after five months. Farmers already celebrated the accomplishment of the project with stakeholders.

Assessing the Socio-Economic impact of irrigation schemes in Ethiopia

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Ethiopian economy, providing 80% of the employment and accounting for 50% of the GDP. A critical issue limiting the sector’s productivity is its continuing dependence on rainfall for irrigation purposes.
Recognising this, government agencies have constructed a large number of small scale irrigation structures over the years, through its various programs. However, they were found to be lacking on various fronts. Among other things, there has been a lack of maintenance, lack of usage and lack of participation by the end users- the farmers.

In this presentation, Ermias Alemu from Arba Minch University discusses the findings of a socio-economic impact assessment study of 4 such irrigation schemes. Among the key recommendations of the research is that eliciting farmer-participation in such schemes would require building their overall productive capacity (by improving their market linkages, facilitating post-harvest storage facilities, etc.) and ensuring that their inputs feed into the planning and design of the physical structures.

Competing for water: The challenge of local water governance

In many countries it is the task of district and other local authorities to authorise and monitor the use of water for small-scale irrigation, and to ensure that enough water is left for human and animal consumption alongside irrigation.
Taking the case of Condega district in Nicaragua, this video report illustrates the magnitude and complexity of this task. Despite its crucial importance, local water governance institutions are often grossly neglected in the implementation of reforms intended to ensure effective and equitable water governance. This project is funded by DIIS and Danish Development Research Council.